Hello,
I am writing on behalf of my two sons, who are both showing steer for the first time. One of my boys is in high school, the other in his last year of middle school. Both steers are kept at their schools.
My older son showed a heifer last year. He decided to break his steer his way,(a little bull headed himself) and my yonger son decided to use the ways I suggested through researching this forum mostly, as well as other resources, such as our feed store owner and the breeder. As far as breaking goes, I think my younger son and I have made the most progress. My question is about feeding and exercise.
They are Black Angus. Were only just over 400 lbs when we got them in late July. Now older son's is 716 lbs younger son's 680 lbs. My younger son's steer weighed about 30 lbs more than his brother's at official weigh in. So their weight gain has been pretty close. The one thing I am concerned with now is muscle. My older son and his friends are running their steers every day to build muscle. Is this a good thing? I thought letting them out in the pasture and walking them on the lead would give them just enough excercise without burning off too much fat. I also think this may cause regression in the breaking process. Could y'all give me some guidance on that? Not that my older son will listen, but I want to do the best thing in the case of my youngest. If running them is good, then we'll do it.
I just remember helping my uncle when I was a kid feeding his steer in Tennesee. He was filling the trough with slop and hay and said run them up this way. Well I started chasing them and he gave me the business when I got within shouting distance. He said I'd kill em if I literally ran them. Therefore I am confused.
Thanks for your help.
I am writing on behalf of my two sons, who are both showing steer for the first time. One of my boys is in high school, the other in his last year of middle school. Both steers are kept at their schools.
My older son showed a heifer last year. He decided to break his steer his way,(a little bull headed himself) and my yonger son decided to use the ways I suggested through researching this forum mostly, as well as other resources, such as our feed store owner and the breeder. As far as breaking goes, I think my younger son and I have made the most progress. My question is about feeding and exercise.
They are Black Angus. Were only just over 400 lbs when we got them in late July. Now older son's is 716 lbs younger son's 680 lbs. My younger son's steer weighed about 30 lbs more than his brother's at official weigh in. So their weight gain has been pretty close. The one thing I am concerned with now is muscle. My older son and his friends are running their steers every day to build muscle. Is this a good thing? I thought letting them out in the pasture and walking them on the lead would give them just enough excercise without burning off too much fat. I also think this may cause regression in the breaking process. Could y'all give me some guidance on that? Not that my older son will listen, but I want to do the best thing in the case of my youngest. If running them is good, then we'll do it.
I just remember helping my uncle when I was a kid feeding his steer in Tennesee. He was filling the trough with slop and hay and said run them up this way. Well I started chasing them and he gave me the business when I got within shouting distance. He said I'd kill em if I literally ran them. Therefore I am confused.
Thanks for your help.
